Set off on a journey through one of Spain’s most unspoiled and captivating coastal landscapes—the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almería. This rugged stretch of southeastern coastline is a rare gem, where volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and shimmering turquoise waters meet desert-like plains and sleepy whitewashed village.
If you want a break from the clamour and crowds on the Costa then explore Mijas, Alhaurin, Coin, Monda, Ojen and also Istan. The scenery is quite spectacular and the roads are well-travelled, yet perfectly good.
If you're arriving at Malaga airport, you don't have to head straight to the coast. There is lots more to see in this beautiful province, from the city itself, full of outstanding art galleries and museums (Picasso), to the stunning national parks and picturesque mountain villages with narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies.
In this section we have suggested some itineraries that you can use as a base for tours in Andalucia. These itineraries also link together many other information pages. As always the greatest problem is how to fit so much in a limited period of time and have a holiday as well rather than win an endurance award. You will need a good map.
From Seville airport, you can head straight up into the Sierra de Aracena, a beautiful and little-known part of Andalucia. Visit a British-influenced mining town where football and golf were first played in Spain, and find out about this fascinating colony. You can also head to Cordoba, an easy two-hour drive, and then to Granada - with Seville, the three major historic Moorish cities of Andalucia.
This route takes you from the coastal city of Malaga, southwest along the coast to San Pedro, then inland up the spectacular mountain road to Ronda. Next, you continue to Algodonales, which is also in the Sierra de Cadiz, before heading southeast down to the plains, and over to Jerez, home of sherry, flamenco and beautiful horses.
This route takes you from the coastal city of Malaga, south-west along the coast to San Pedro, then inland up the spectacular windy mountain road to Ronda. Next, you to continue to Algodonales, also in the Sierra de Cadiz, before heading south-east down to the plains, and over to Jerez.
Itinerary: Malaga - Velez Malaga - Competa - Frigiliana - Nerja - Malaga - (day trip or 2 days)
Itinerary: Malaga - Antequera - Loja - Granada - (2 days). Leave Malaga heading north on the A45. You will drive through the Parque Natural Montes de Malaga. When the road forks, head left to Antequera. This is a small, ancient town with Roman , Moorish and Bronze Age remains, including two important dolmens.
Five excursions - Gibraltar and Los Barrios shopping, the Ruta del Toro to Jerez, Tarifa and the beaches and villages of the Costa de la Luz, Castillar, Jimena and inland villages and the Costa del Sol.
One-Day-Itinerary to explore the countryside around the towns of Ronda and Gaucin. This route starts at San Pedro de Alcantera, just past Puerto Banus, and ends up just a few kilometres down the coast at Estepona. It's a delightful detour and one, which includes one of the best-known sierra towns of all, Ronda.
Costa Tropica. The orginal coastal highway N-340 follows the hugs the coast and the newer A-7 motorway runs a few km inland along the mountainside thanks to some impressive viaducts and tunnels. If you have time take the N-340 which is more interesting.
Heading to east and then north in the Sierra are some of the least visited villages of the Sierra, located on the perimeter of the Sierra and Andalucía. Take the N-433 towards Seville from Aracena and just after Higuera de la Sierra, 17 km from Aracena, there is a right turn on to the A-461 to Zufre, which is 9km away from the main road.
This route mainly follows the N-433. Starting with the ruined castle in Aracena: follow the signs to the Castillo (castle). You can drive up the hill and park at the top. The church is usually open during the day.
This guide is both practical and entertaining and makes a wholly worthy companion to the author's recently published and very well received East of Malaga which also takes the reader on a memorable voyage of discovery. Behind the crowded coast a fascinating world of sweeping vistas, remote communities and majestic mountains unfolds. Comprehensive maps provide the key to penetrating this world.
This route passes through some of the prettiest villages in the Sierra de Aracena and woodland typical of this area. Leaving Aracena going west towards Portugal on the N-433, the road goes past extensive groves of sweet chestnuts until you get to the small village of Fuenteheridos.
70 km - 1 hour An interesting drive from Granada down to the Cosst at Motril. It is now motorway most of the way and takes about one hour.
Itinerary: Almeria - Tabernas - Almeria - (Day trip) Or continue to Guadix - Granada. If you're a fan of Wild West movies, or you have children in your group, then this outing is perfect for you. Take the A92 north out of Almeria, then turn off to the right on the N340 towards Mini Hollywood.
Itinerary: Almeria - Cabo de Gata - San Jose - beaches - Rodalquilar - . Leave Almeria on the N344, heading east. Then take the small road towards the town of Cabo de Gata, and carry on as far as the road goes, past the salt flats on your left. You will reach Faro de Gata, the lighthouse - enjoy the open sea views. Head back along the same road, taking the right turn to Ruescas, then right again - you're driving behind Cabo de Gata, as the cape itself is a national park.
If you want to visit a small but historic Andalucian city, then Almeria airport is where to collect your hire car. The surrounding area offers some of Spain's finest and most unusual beaches - wide sweeps of sand hemmed in by rose-coloured cliffs. This area is as yet undeveloped, so it's a perfect destination for those who prefer quiet days lazing in the sun, away from busy towns and noisy crowds. Movie-lovers will enjoy a visit to the old Hollywood film sets, where many Westerns were filmed, and where you can still see gunfights and dancing girls in a saloon bar.
